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SPECIAL AWARD: Bushey charity worker recognised by Prime Minister

 Published on: 18th December 2021   |   By: Lizzie Ellis   |   Category: Uncategorized

A woman from Bushey that founded a voluntary organisation at the start of 2021 to help provide essential items to families in need has been recongised for her valuable work in the community over the past year.

Sebby’s Corner, set up by Bianca Sakol, was started this January when the mother of two was looking for somewhere to donate children’s items during lockdown and realised something of this kind was missing in high demand.

Fast forward to October 26, 2021, after a year of hard work and dedication, Sebbys Corner was recognised by Prime Minister Boris Johnson with a Points of Light award. The Points of Light Awards (POLA) recognise outstanding individual volunteers and people who are making a change in their community.

Since the UK POLA launch in 2014, hundreds of people have been named Points of Light by the Prime Minister, highlighting an enormous array of innovative and inspirational volunteering across the length and breadth of Britain, including Bianca, who lives in Bushey with her family.

Bianca said: “I am absolutely delighted and honoured to receive this award. When I started Sebby’s Corner, we were a tiny corner of a foodbank giving out clothes to a few families a week. In nine months we have grown to help hundreds of families with a huge range of essential items, as well as supporting thousands of newly arrived Afghan refugees.

“When we began, we had no idea the scale of the poverty in our communities, certainly made worse by COVID-19, and we will continue to work to ensure no child goes without the basic essentials so many of us take for granted.”

Oliver Dowden MP said: “I am delighted that Bianca Sakol has been awarded the prestigious Points of Light Award by the Prime Minister for her work setting up Sebby’s Corner. Bianca and Sebby’s Corner have supported young families in need across Hertfordshire and beyond by delivering over 5,000 nappies,1,200 items of clothing and much more every month.

“Bianca’s recent work supporting Rabbi Feldman, of Bushey United Synagogue, in organising a donation drive for displaced Afghan families who fled to the UK is exemplary. This award is extremely well deserved. Bianca added: “It has been humbling to see the wonderful support and donations we have received from the community and our supporters and I am grateful to every single person who has helped us on our journey these past nine months. I would like to dedicate this award to the Power Team and my wonderful husband without whom this would all have been impossible.”

Sebby’s Corner works with partner organisations, including the Red Trust in Bushey, on a referral basis, to ensure families get the support they need. They supply nappies, formula, toiletries, baby equipment, clothes and toys across London and the South East. They also run a Birthday Club to give birthday gifts to children who would otherwise get nothing.

On Monday, November 8, Bianca received more good news that Sebby’s Corner had been granted official charity status.

Sebby’s Corner shared the positive news on social media: “We are OVER THE MOON, to have finally been given our Charity Number! Becoming a charity is a lot more complicated than just deeming yourself one it has to be approved & it has been going on in the background for a long time. ⁣

“This has been a long slog, lots of late nights, blood, sweat and tears have been poured into this and we couldn’t be happier. Thank you, everyone, for your constant support, kindness & unwavering generosity!”

The charity is working hard over the Christmas period to provide for children who otherwise won’t receive anything this Christmas. They have 1,605 children who have been referred and aim to ensure each one has a special gift to open on December 25th.

A £20 donation can buy a Sebby’s Santa Sack containing a gift, stocking filler and a special treat from www.sebbyscornerchristmas.co.uk. Alternatively, if you prefer to choose a gift to send, visit the Amazon Wishlist www.amazon.co.uk/hz/wishlist/ls/1PLBHND8RFLQ6

For more information on Sebby’s Corner visit www.sebbyscorner.co.uk

Registered Charity Number 1196472

 

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